But the Lions’ signing of David Akers two days later took Dimke by surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting it to go like that, that quickly,” said Dimke, the former Boylan Titans second-team all-state kicker who holds the state playoff record with a 54-yard field goal. “My agent spoke to the Lions, and they wanted to go with some more experience. So, that’s that.”

Dimke, who went on to star at Illinois, was signed by the Lions last offseason, and spent rookie camp, OTAs and training camp kicking behind the team’s 21-year veteran Hanson. Dimke was perfect on field goals and extra points while playing three halves in three preseason games, but was let go in favor of Hanson.

Still, Dimke held out hope the Lions would come calling when Hanson hung up his spikes. Instead he is seeking other NFL options.

“I’ve had a bunch of workouts with other teams, and there will be more,” Dimke said. “A lot depends on the next couple of weeks.”

Dimke worked out for 20 NFL scouts late last month in Scottsdale, Ariz., during a free-agent combine. Since talking to Hanson on the phone about his impending retirement — which became official last Thursday — he has kicked in front of representatives for the Browns and Dolphins, and expects to hold tryouts for the Jets on Thursday and for the Seahawks later this week.

“I’ve probably only got this year and maybe next year to lock on with somebody,” Dimke said. “I’ve got to make it happen soon.”